Smartphones allow us to stay connected at all times, access instant information and enjoy a wide range of applications and entertainment. However, overuse of our smartphones can have negative effects on our health, relationships and productivity. Fortunately, there are apps specifically designed to help us reduce the time we spend in front of our screens.
What apps can you use to avoid using your phone?
1. Forest
Forest is an app designed to help you concentrate and reduce the distraction of your smartphone. It uses the Pomodoro timer technique to help you stay focused on your tasks and avoid overusing your phone.
When you open the Forest app and set a timer, a virtual tree is planted. As time passes without you using your phone, the tree grows and develops in your virtual forest. However, if you leave the app to open other apps on your phone, the tree will wither.
The goal is to grow a lush and diverse virtual forest, which motivates you to stay focused and avoid constant distractions. The app also allows you to set goals and challenges for yourself, which adds a gamification element to the experience.
In addition to helping you focus, Forest also has an eco-friendly approach. As you use the app and grow your virtual forest, you can earn virtual coins. These coins can be used to support the planting of real trees around the world through Forest’s partnership with reforestation charities.
2. Moment
Moment provides you with detailed information about the time you spend on your smartphone. The app tracks the daily usage of your device and gives you statistics on the time you spend in different apps, as well as the number of times you unlock your phone.
Moment also lets you set time limits for specific apps and sends you reminders when you exceed those limits. In addition, you can set up distraction-free time periods, during which certain apps will be blocked to help you concentrate on other activities.
3. Flipd
Flipd is an application designed to help you minimize distractions and stay focused. You can set timers that block certain apps or functions on your phone for a specific period of time.
You can also use the “Disconnect Mode” feature to completely block all apps and receive only emergency calls and messages. Flipd also allows you to track your progress and rewards you with points as you reduce your phone usage time.
4. Offtime
Offtime is an application designed to help you disconnect from your smartphone and regain control of your time. Its main goal is to reduce distractions and promote a more conscious use of your device. When you activate Offtime, you can set custom time periods during which all notifications and apps of your choice will be blocked. This allows you to focus on your tasks, avoid unnecessary interruptions and encourage moments of disconnection.
The app also provides detailed statistics on your phone usage, allowing you to analyze your patterns and habits. You can see how much time you spend on each app, how many times you unlock your phone and how many notifications you receive. In addition to blocking distractions, Offtime lets you set exceptions for certain contacts or important apps.
This way, you won’t miss crucial information while in “Offline” mode, it also gives you the option to create custom profiles that adapt to different situations, such as work, study or free time. You can set specific rules for each profile, giving you more control over how you use your phone in each context.
5. StayFree
StayFree is an app that tracks and displays statistics about the time you spend on your phone and in different apps. It provides you with detailed information about how much time you spend in each app, how many times you unlock your phone and how many notifications you receive.
StayFree also lets you set time limits for specific apps and sends you reminders when you exceed those limits. The app also has a lock feature that lets you temporarily block certain apps to avoid the temptation to use them.
6. AppBlock
AppBlock is an application that allows you to block access to specific applications during certain periods of time. You can create custom profiles and set rules to block apps based on time of day or location.
For example, you can block social networks during work hours or gaming apps while you are at the gym. AppBlock helps you become more aware of your phone usage habits and allows you to set healthy limits.
7. Digital Wellbeing
Digital Wellbeing is a feature built into Android phones that helps you have a more conscious and balanced use of your device. The feature provides detailed statistics on how much time you spend in each app, how often you unlock your phone and how many notifications you receive.
You can also set time limits for specific apps and activate “No Distractions Mode” to minimize interruptions. In addition, Digital Wellbeing provides you with tools to set sleep and rest schedules, and allows you to activate the “Desaturate colors” function to reduce visual stimulation.
8. Space
Space is an app that combines elements of gamification and mindfulness to help you reduce the time you spend on your phone. The app encourages you to take mindful breaks and engage in off-screen activities. It also provides you with statistics on your phone usage and shows you your progress as you reduce screen time.
In addition, Space has an online community where you can connect with others looking to reduce their dependence on their phone and share tips and success stories.